Mayor Karen Bass imposed a curfew to curtail protesters—while attending a vigil for immigrant solidarity. On the first night of curfew, many resisted by continuing to protest downtown; 17 were arrested on curfew violations.

On Monday, June 9, 2025 protests across Los Angeles County continued after a recent wave of ICE deportations, marking day 4 of the protests. 

On Sunday, June 8, 2025 protests across Los Angeles County continued after a recent wave of ICE deportations, marking day 3 of the protests. 

In Paramount and neighboring city Compton on June 7, a chaotic scene unfolded with cops and protesters squaring up in a commercial area. For hours in the evening, protesters scattered throughout Alondra Boulevard, yelling, playing music, dancing, and sometimes clutching their faces and running when the Sheriff’s Department line by the 710 Freeway deployed tear gas.

Since Friday, steadfast protests in L.A. county countering ICE raids have expanded and intensified, leading to tensions between police and demonstrators. Trump summoning 2,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to protect government personnel is estimated to cost $134 million. As finals season starts, SMC is urging faculty to be flexible with students affected by the “unprecedented events” going on in the city.

Following a series of immigration enforcement actions in L.A. on Friday, activist groups threw an impromptu rally at the Federal Building. Protesters threw rocks and bottles, and shot some fireworks, while DHS officers fired tear gas and pepper balls. Los Angeles police enforced a dispersal order with rubber bullets.

Amidst the Trump administration's new policies on immigration, the City of Santa Monica and Santa Monica College find ways to respond.

 The Santa Monica Police Department is expecting a hefty budget increase. In the 2025-26 fiscal year, they are planning to operate with $132,509,870 for salaries, wages and supplies.

Palestinian Youth Movement declares a Global Day of Action for Gaza protest on April 25, which three countries and 10 cities participated in.

 A raucous Town Hall by Rep. Brad Sherman sparked lively argument and debate, particularly on transgender rights, pro-Palestine efforts and anti-Trump combat.

An introduction to the candidates of the Special Elections taking place to fill vacancies within the Associated Students Board of Directors.

Jihu Kang, an international art student, lost everything in the Palisades Fire. The college community is her strongest stalwart for rebuilding, filling in where the administration faltered.

There was no shortage of scuffling at the conservative #WalkAway march and rally in Beverly Hills on Sunday. The march’s founder was one of 1,500 recently pardoned by Trump for storming the Capitol.

As many parts of the Santa Monica College (SMC) community have been affected by the Palisades fire, SMC Board of Trustees Vice-Chair Dr. Sion Roy opens up about his experience.

Judith Eckstein hasn’t worked as the Math Lab coordinator since March 5, though her return as a tutor is forecast. Several students took to the Board of Trustees to argue her cruciality.

It’s a “sobering and scary time” for community colleges. The state of California prospered in February, but SMC is still floundering. SMC’s fund balance to expenditures ratio is 12%, the second lowest in the state. Legislative advisors are recommending California cut back on special programs and focus on core costs at community colleges.

Sperm racing, an all-new sport, is set to premiere at the Hollywood Palladium on April 25, where a USC and a UCLA student will face off and race their sperm. The Sperm Racing company aims to combine technology and sport to raise awareness for male infertility.

Bernie Sanders’ rounds of cross-country, no-cost speaking engagements have produced crowds more populous than the Vermont senator saw in both his bids for President; here, an up-close view on what he had to say in LA, at his largest event yet.

SMC’s student government will vote on a directive declaring students’ right to speak freely at school; meanwhile, the federal government boasts about eradicating ideas and intellectual property that are “illegal,” and student visas are revoked from coast to coast.

Half a million rallied nationwide against Trump and Musk on Saturday; in Los Angeles, tens of thousands joined in at City Hall.